This Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a mouthwatering, creamy pasta dish that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in a velvety sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenderloins)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 5 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Directions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts (or tenderloins) with paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of pasta water (reserved from cooking the penne) to adjust the consistency.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- To the sauce, add the chopped tomatoes, spinach, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. The sauce should now be full of flavor and vibrant.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in the chopped cooked bacon and the sliced chicken, mixing everything until well combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy chicken bacon spinach penne, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness. Serve immediately while the dish is still hot and creamy!
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🍳 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
- 🔥 Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)
- 🍽️ Servings: 4
Tips and Variations:
- Make it lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a light cream to reduce the fat content.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or top with a drizzle of hot sauce.
This creamy, hearty Chicken Bacon Spinach Penne is a perfect comfort meal that balances rich flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe when you’re craving something satisfying and delicious!